What Are You Looking At?

My blog. And what are you looking at?

Sunday, March 25, 2007

THOMAS

On Thursday our son Thomas was born. I could spend hours talking about what a tremendous experience it was, and how I know better now than ever before what people are talking about when they talk about how incredible it is, and how it is hard to even know what it is like until you've been through it. I won't. If you know what I am talking about, you know. If not, people waste their breath trying to tell you.

Anyway, L is good. Thomas, hereinafter referred to as "U," is excellent so far. We could not be more thrilled. The final question is whether it is Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, or Thomas? The answer: yes, and more.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

UNEXPECTED BONUS

I have written about my new commute a few times here, and I am just not sure why you all are so interested in it. Oh well. You asked for it.

This morning I left in time to catch the bus in time to catch the 7:37. That means at my desk at 8:15. Not too bad. The bus runs on a schedule, but I just don't bother to worry about the theoretical schedule. For God's sake, the bus is running on Chicago streets. It'll get there when it gets there.

The bus dropped me off at 7:28 (according to the LED sign on the bus), and I walked over to get a paper. I am not sure how the Tribune was sold out, but I ended up buying a Sun-Times instead. I basically buy the paper for the crossword every morning, and the Sun-Times actually has two, plus the patternless. However, the Sun-Times is a tabloid. This makes it a pain in the ass to do the crossword while commuting. But I digress.

At about 7:32 the train is rolling into the station. I am shocked and dismayed. Early? I have not seen this wrinkle yet. I run across the entrance ramp of the Kennedy, up the ramp, up the stairs and dive on to the train. I am huffing and puffing. It is not yet 7:37, but the train pulls out anyway. I am shocked. People are screwed! So much for genteel suburban commuting!

Then the guys standing in the vestibule with me start talking. One of them mentions that this train is not the 7:37, but rather, the 7:19 running late! Holy shit. I'm early! BONUS!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES AND OTHER NEWS

There are two articles I saw today that made me suspect that the law of unintended consequences was, or would be, in operation. As you all know, the law of unintended consequences is all about hilarity, as long as you are not the one subject to the law's operation.

In the first article, a group of Buddhist monks has seen their temple overwhelmed by stinging ants. A little Raid might take care of the issue, except that Buddhists (at least these Buddhists) live a non-violent life, and are unwilling to kill a living creature. Of course, since Buddhists generally believe in reincarnation, there is some self-interest in this stance. Non-violence is great and all, but now what are you going to do?

In the second article, time to buy stock in rental car companies that operate in Wisconsin. This is because a state legislator in the Land of Cheese is proposing that serious sex offenders be required to have bright green license plates. See, these sex offenders often use their cars to commit crimes, so this would make their cars more conspicuous. Which would likely have the unintended consequence of causing these people to avoid using their cars, especially for criminal activity.

In other, non-newsy news, L and I are mostly moved in to our place. I do not suggest ever getting your arm pinched in a radiator cover's top. It is deeply unpleasant, although you do get a souvenier bruise. We are still unpacking and figuring out where things go, but I have successfully made it to work for over a week now, so that is a good sign. We are three weeks from L's due date, so it might be a good idea to set up a nursery. Or would that spoil the kid?

Thursday, March 08, 2007

OH MY

Yes, well, it has been a while, hasn't it? L and I moved a week ago Monday. We are still living out of some boxes. We set up a room temporarily to watch some TV a few nights ago, and AT&T proved that they suck and we will finally get DSL today.

Anyway, a few quick, random thoughts. First, L and I watched Santa Clara versus Gonzaga. Santa Clara has to be the worst coached team that does not have Lou Henson as their coach. Just terrible. Heaving three down 5 with two minutes left. Fouling on the misses, then running their offense and not fouling a minute later. Terrible.

Second, my commute has changed a little so that now instead of the Brown Line to the Loop, I take a bus to the Irving Park Metra stop and take that to the Loop, where I get a bus to work. The commute is much easier. Those suburbanites really get the amenities!